Decreases PRBC use in the ICU (although it’s not clear if this is cost-effective)

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO): in critically ill patients has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of PRBC units required

Prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter trial. Three hundred U/kg of rHuEPO were given subcutaneously on the third ICU day and the drug was administered for a total of 5 consecutive days; it was then given every other day. More recently, there are data to suggest that a weekly dose of 600 U/kg of rHuEPO is as efficacious in critically ill patients.

Approximately 40% of Patients Experiencing a Febrile Non-Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction will Experience Another Febrile Non-Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction [MEDLINE]: 24% will experience it on their next transfusion

Prevention

Leukoreduction: although it is thought that this may decrease the risk of acute febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction, the results from trials are conflicting